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J McCullough

Publications and source records attributed to J McCullough.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

The kinetics of G-CSF mobilization of CD34+ cells in healthy people.

When healthy people are given granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) for 10 days the number of CD34+ cells in the peripheral blood begins to increase on the fourth day, reaches a maximum on the sixth day and then decreases. In this study, we further define the time and variability of peak mobilization of CD34+ cells. Twenty-two healthy people were given G-CSF (7.5 or 10 micrograms kg-1 day-1) subcutaneously each morning for 5 days and peripheral blood CD34+ cell counts were analysed immediately prior to the fourth (day 4) and fifth (day 5) G-CSF injection and 24 h after the fifth injection (Day 6). White blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts were greatest on day 6 [WBC = 43.8 +/- 13.9 x 10(9) L-1 (mean +/- 1 SD) and neutrophils = 36.6 +/- 12.8 x 10(9) L-1]. In contrast the CD34+ cell counts on day 6 (107 +/- 104 x 10(6) L-1) were less than on day 5 (128 +/- 136 x 10(6) L-1) (P = 0.048) but still greater than on day 4 (60.7 +/- 40.2 x 10(6) L-1) (P < 0.0001). The CD34+ cell counts of 10 donors were measured 2, 4 and 6 h after the fifth injection to determine if the counts increased further between days 5 and 6. The number of CD34+ cells in the blood on day 5 2 h after the fifth injection (193 +/- 277 x 10(6) L-1) was greater than the number prior to the injection (158 +/- 190 x 10(6) L-1), 4 h post-injection (139 +/- 158 x 10(6) L-1) and 6 h post-injection (170 +/- 236 x 10(6) L-1), but the differences were not significant (P = 0.29, 0.25 and 0.45). The number of CD34+ cells in the blood of 12 people were measured before and after the fourth G-CSF dose. Prior to the day 4 injection the CD34+ count was 61 +/- 40 x 10(6) L-1. At 2, 4 and 6 h the counts were 60 +/- 40, 61 +/- 29 and 64 +/- 30 x 10(6) L-1, respectively, and the differences were not significant (P = 0.99, P = 0.98, and P = 0.73). In conclusion, when healthy volunteers are given daily G-CSF injections, the number of mobilized CD34+ cells was the greatest on day 5, slightly less on day 6 and the least on day 4. If only one PBSC component is needed, PBSCs can be collected on day 5 after only 4 days of G-CSF. If PBSC components are collected on both days 5 and 6, the fifth dose can be given either before or after the collection of the first PBSC component.

Adult↗

Blood counts in healthy donors 1 year after the collection of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor-mobilized progenitor cells and the results of a second mobilization and collection.

BACKGROUND: Granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized blood cells are being used for allogeneic transplants, but the long-term effects of G-CSF on healthy individuals are not known. Furthermore, it is not certain how many CD34+ cells can be collected in a second mobilization and collection procedure. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Nineteen people were given 2, 5, 7.5, or 10 micrograms of G-CSF per kg per day for 5 days, and blood progenitor cells were collected by apheresis on the sixth day; this was done on two occasions separated by at least 12 months. Blood counts obtained before and after each course of G-CSF and the quantity of cells collected were compared. RESULTS: There were no differences in white cell (WBC), platelet, red cell, and WBC differential counts measured before each course of G-CSF, and all the values were in the normal range. In a subset of 12 people who received 7.5 or 10 micrograms of G-CSF per kg per day for both courses, the numbers of neutrophils, mononuclear cells, and CD34+ cells in the blood after each course were similar (34.1 +/- 7.31 x 10(9)/L vs. 36.4 +/- 12.3 x 10(9)/L, p = 0.24; 6.59 +/- 2.28 x 10(9)/L vs. 5.63 +/- 2.11 x 10(9)/L, p = 0.24; and 92.0 +/- 55.6 x 10(5)/L vs. 119.2 +/- 104.6 x 10(6)/L; p = 0.48, respectively), as were the quantities of mononuclear cells (31.0 +/- 8.4 x 10(9) vs. 31.0 +/- 6.1 x 10(9); p = 0.64) and CD34+ cells (417 +/- 353 x 10(6) vs. 449 +/- 286 x 10(6); p = 0.53) collected in the two apheresis procedures. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the quantity of CD34+ cells collected from each of the 12 people per liter of whole blood processed in the two procedures (r2 = 0.86, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: One year after the administration of G-CSF to healthy people, their blood counts were normal and unchanged from pretreatment counts. If healthy people donate blood progenitor cells after a second G-CSF course the quantity of CD34+ cells collected will be similar to that obtained in the first collection.

Adult↗

Composition of peripheral blood progenitor cell components collected from healthy donors.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) components are being collected from healthy donors for allogeneic transplantation, but the quantity, quality, composition, and variability of PBPCs collected from healthy people given granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) have not been evaluated. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PBPC components were collected from 150 healthy people who were given G-CSF (5, 7.5, or 10 microg/kg/day) for 5 days. The components were evaluated for white cell (WBC), mononuclear cell, CD34+ cell, neutrophil, platelet, and red cell (RBC) composition. RESULTS: The quantities collected were: WBCs, 35.0 +/- 16.4 x 10(9) (range, 11.9-163.3 x 10(9)); mononuclear cells, 33.3 +/- 14.4 x 10(9) (range, 11.9-139.6 x 10(9)); CD34+ cells, 412 +/- 287 x 10(6) (range, 70-1658 x 10(6)); neutrophils, 1.71 +/- 3.59 x 10(9) (range, 0-27.6 x 10(9)); RBCs, 7.2 +/- 4.0 mL (range, 0-22.1 mL); and platelets, 480 +/- 110 x 10(9) (range, 250-920 x 10(9)). PBPC components collected from people given G-CSF at 7.5 or 10 microg per kg per day contained significantly more CD34+ cells (respectively, 428 +/- 300 x 10(6); range, 70-1658 x 10(6) and 452 +/- 294 x 10(6); range, 78-1380 x 10(6)) than those from people given G-CSF at 5 microg per kg per day (276 +/- 186 x 10(6); range, 91-767 x 10(6)) (p = 0.007 and p = 0.002). When 10 microg per kg per day of G-CSF was given, 50 percent of the components contained enough CD34+ cells for transplantation to a 75-kg recipient (375 x 10(6) CD34+ cells), but 10.6 percent of the components contained less than 150 x 10(6) CD34+ cells and thus would provide a transplantable dose only for a 30-kg patient. CONCLUSION: One PBPC component collected from a healthy donor given 7.5 or 10 microg per kg per day of G-CSF should contain 70 to 1660 x 10(6) CD34+ cells, with 0 to 22 mL of RBCs. Because of the great variability in the number of CD34+ cells collected, the quantity of CD34+ cells in each component should be measured after each procedure to ensure that sufficient quantities of cells are present for a successful transplant.

Antigens, CD34↗

Retroviral transduction of peripheral blood leukocytes in a hollow-fiber bioreactor.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral blood white cells (leukocytes) (PBLs) have been used as effective targets for genetic manipulation by transduction with retroviruses in open systems. A semi-closed hollow-fiber bioreactor was tested for culturing and transducing lymphocytes. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PBLs were isolated from five healthy donors, and 5 x 10(7) cells were cultured in hollow-fiber bioreactors for 4 days after stimulation with anti-CD3 in medium containing 200 units per mL of recombinant interleukin 2. Transduction with retroviral vector containing the gene for iduronate-2-sulfatase and G 418 resistance, L2SN, was performed daily on Days 4, 5, 6, and 7, and the cells were expanded for an additional 3 days. RESULTS: PBLs from three donors were harvested from the bioreactor after transduction and expansion, and 4.5 x 10(9), 7.0 x 10(9), and 2.9 x 10(9) cells were recovered, representing 90-, 136-, and 58-fold expansions. The transduction frequency of L2SN was 10, 5, and 1 percent, respectively. For additional expansion of PBLs, in two cases the bioreactor was reinoculated with 5 x 10(7) cells, which were expanded again for 16 and 8 days, respectively, yielding 1.4 x 10(9) and 3.1 x 10(9) cells, which reflected an additional 28- and 62-fold expansion of cells. PBLs from two other donors were transduced and expanded in the bioreactor, and then 0.8 mg per mL of G 418 was added to the medium in an attempt to enrich the transduced population. Although 2.5 and 10 percent of the cells were transduced, cell death and absence of expansion in the presence of G 418 resulted in final cell lots with viabilities of only 4 and 8 percent. In all cases, the harvested cells tested negative in bacterial and fungal cultures. CONCLUSION: Hollow-fiber bioreactors are an efficient and effective system for the retroviral transduction and expansion of PBLs for clinical gene therapy.

Bioreactors↗

Molecular characterization of antigenic polymorphisms (Ond(a) and Mart(a)) of the beta 2 family recognized by human leukocyte alloantisera.

We show that the previously described alloantisera Ond and Mart, which recognize the alloantigens Ond(a) and Mart(a), react with polymorphic variants of alpha L and alpha M subunits of the beta 2 integrin family (CD11a and CD11b molecules). This was shown by testing the alloantisera in a monoclonal antibody-specific immobilization of leukocyte antigens, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence assay against cells from normal donors and from patients with leukocyte adhesion deficiency (beta 2 intergrin deficient). To elucidate the molecular basis of the Ond(a) and Mart(a) alloantigens, RNA was isolated from mononuclear leukocytes derived from individuals of known serologic phenotype. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to amplify the entire coding region of the alpha L and alpha M mRNAs. The Ond(a) antigen was found to be due to a G2466C substitution in the DNA coding for the alpha L subunit, which predicts an Arg766Thr amino-acid polymorphism. The Mart(a) antigen was also found to be due to a single nucleotide substitution (G302A) in the DNA coding for the alpha M subunit, which predicts an Arg61His amino acid polymorphism. Using allele-specific restriction enzyme analysis, the association between point mutations and phenotypes was confirmed. The localization of these alloantigens on integrin molecules further illustrates the polymorphic nature of this class of proteins. Whether the polymorphisms influence the adhesive capacity of the leukocyte integrins remains to be investigated.

Alleles↗

BCR/ABL-negative primitive progenitors suitable for transplantation can be selected from the marrow of most early-chronic phase but not accelerated-phase chronic myelogenous leukemia patients.

We have previously reported that selection of marrow cells on the basis of the CD34+HLA-DR- phenotype (34+DR-) may result in the recovery of Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)- and BCR/ABL-negative long-term culture-initiating cells (LTC-IC) in selected patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). We now present data on 27 early chronic-phase ([ECP] studied within 1 year after diagnosis) and 23 advanced-phase ([AP] late chronic phase, ie, studied >1 year from diagnosis, or accelerated phase) CML patients. Fluorescence-activated call-sorting (FACS)-selected 34+DR- and 34+DR+ cells were subjected to reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization. These cells were also cultured in long-term bone marrow culture for 1 to 5 weeks to examine the number of LTC-IC and the presence or absence of the BCR/ABL gene rearrangement in progeny of primitive LTC-IC. The number of 34+DR- cells and LTC-IC present in ECP CML marrow was similar to that in normal (NL) marrow, whereas the numbers were reduced in AP CML. Furthermore, 34+DR- cells from more than 80% of ECP CML patients were BCR/ABL mRNA- and Ph-negative and contained only BCR/ABL mRNA- and Ph-negative LTC-IC, whereas 34+DR- cells and LTC-IC from less than 40% of AP CML patients were BCR/ABL mRNA- and Ph-negative. In contrast to NL marrow, 34+DR+ cells from CML marrow, irrespective of clinical stage, contained large numbers of LTC-IC. CML 34+DR+ cells and LTC-IC were BCR/ABL mRNA- and Ph-positive. Since these studies suggested that a population of primitive progenitors that are Ph-negative can be selected from steady-state marrow in some ECP CML patients, we determined if similar results could be obtained when large quantities of marrow sufficient for transplantation are processed. We demonstrate that 1 to 3 x 10(5) BCR/ABL mRNA-negative 34+DR- cells/kg recipient body weight, containing only BCR/ABL mRNA-negative LTC-IC, can be obtained from a 2- to 2.5-L marrow collection by sequential COBE Spectra apheresis (COBE BCT, Lakewood, CO), CD34+ enrichment using the CEPRATE SC Cell-Concentrator (CellPro, Bothell, WA), and high-speed FACS. Thus, large-scale selection of a BCR/ABL mRNA- and Ph-negative 34+DR- cell population is possible in a fraction of chronic-phase CML patients, in whom these cells could be used to reconstitute the hematopoietic compartment following autologous transplantation.

Antigens, CD34↗

Lewis phenotypes.

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Black People↗

The prevalence of anti-latex IgE antibodies in 1000 volunteer blood donors.

BACKGROUND: Latex allergy has been recognized as a medical problem with increasing frequency since the mid 1980s. Although certain groups of individuals, such as health care workers, have been recognized as having increased risk for latex allergy, little is known about the prevalence of latex allergy in the general population. METHODS: To estimate the prevalence of latex allergy among healthy adults, we measured anti-latex IgE antibodies in residual serum samples from 1000 volunteer Red Cross blood donors. The 1000 samples were from a sample of blood units collected from workplace mobile sites throughout Southeastern Michigan. Samples collected from mobile sites operating at health care institutions were excluded to minimize sampling of health care workers. Anti-latex IgE antibodies were measured by using the AlaSTAT assay (Diagnostic Products Corp., Los Angeles, Calif.) according to the manufacturer's directions. Samples with anti-latex IgE concentrations of 0.35 IU/ml or greater were classified as positive and samples with IgE concentrations of 1.50 IU/ml or greater were classified as strongly positive. All positive samples were assayed a second time to confirm the result. All positive samples were also measured with the CAP assay (Pharmacia Diagnostics, Dublin, Ohio). RESULTS: The samples tested were from donors with a mean age of 37.8 years, and 47% were women. Sixty-four (6.4%, 95% confidence interval = 4.9-8.1%) of the samples were confirmed as repeatedly positive for anti-latex IgE, and 23 of the 64 positive samples were strongly positive (2.3% of the 1000). Sixty-one percent of the samples positive as determined by the AlaSTAT assay were also positive as determined by the CAP assay. Samples from male donors were more likely to be positive than those from female donors (8.7% vs 4.1%, p = 0.003). Prevalence of positive samples was not related to age or race. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the prevalence of detectable anti-latex IgE antibodies, in a large and relatively unselected adult population, is higher than previous estimates have suggested. Although the clinical significance of these observations needs further evaluation, the data suggest that latex allergy is not confined to individuals in previously recognized high-risk groups.

Adolescent↗

Radical replacement of the aortic root in acute type A dissection: indications and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Failure of the repair at the proximal aorta is an important cause of morbidity and mortality following surgical treatment of acute type A dissection. This review was undertaken to determine the influence of total composite replacement of the ascending aorta and the root on the operative risk and long-term survival. METHODS: In a consecutive series of 73 patients with acute type A dissections between 1985 and 1994, 19 (26%) patients with radical root replacement (group I) were compared with 54 patients who had conventional valve-preserving root reconstruction (group II). RESULTS: Group I represented a higher operative risk with the presence of significant aortic regurgitation (13/19 68.4% vs 23/54 42.5% P < 0.05), aortic dilatation (19/19 100% vs 32/54 59.2% P < 0.00), and coronary dissection (13/19 68.4% vs 3/54 5.5% P < 0.000). In spite of this there was no difference in operative mortality (3/19 15.7% vs 7/54 12.9%, NS) or the occurrence of major postoperative complications: bleeding (3/19 15.7% vs 7/54 12.9%, NS), respiratory (5/19 26.3% vs 11/54 20.3%, NS), stroke (2/19 10.5% vs 3/54 5.5%, NS). Patients with radical root replacement had substantially better event-free survival at 5 years (87.5% +/- 11.7% vs 67.1% +/- 8.9%) and 9 years (87.5% +/- 21.9% vs 63.0% +/- 19.2%). CONCLUSIONS: This experience confirms that, in the treatment of acute type A dissection, an aggressive approach to aortic root pathology is indicated for specific indications, and can be carried out with good early and excellent long-term results.

Adult↗

Changes in blood counts after the administration of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor and the collection of peripheral blood stem cells from healthy donors.

BACKGROUND: After the collection of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized peripheral blood stem cells from healthy donors, the donor platelet counts fall. However, the magnitude and duration of this decrease are not known. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Sixty healthy people were given G-CSF (5, 7.5, or 10 micrograms/kg/day) for 5 days (Days 1-5), and 1 peripheral blood stem cell component was collected on Day 6. The platelet count, white cell count, absolute neutrophil count, hematocrit, and red cell count were measured before administration of G-CSF (Day 0), before collection of peripheral blood stem cells on Day 6, and on Days 8, 10, 13, 16, and 20. RESULTS: The platelet count fell from 261 +/- 47 x 10(9) cells per L on Day 0 to 159 +/- 30 x 10(9) cells per L on Day 8 (p < 0.0001) and reached its lowest level on Day 10 (146 +/- 30 x 10(9)/L; p < 0.001). Compared to Day 0 levels, the platelet count was lower on Day 13 (185 +/- 49 x 10(9)/L, p < 0.001), was the same on Day 16 (270 +/- 53 x 10(9)/L), and was greater on Day 20 (333 +/- 60 x 10(9)/L, p < 0.0001). The white cell count returned to pretreatment values on Day 13, and the absolute neutrophil count returned to pretreatment values on Day 10 (Day 0 white cell count = 6.05 +/- 1.59 x 10(9)/L and Day 0 absolute neutrophil count = 3.97 +/- 1.52 x 10(9)/L). On Day 20, both were less than pretreatment values (white cell count = 5.14 +/- 1.24 x 10(9)/L, p = 0.0007 and absolute neutrophil count = 3.20 +/- 1.24 x 10(9)/L, p = 0.0036). The red cell counts on Day 16 (4.52 +/- 0.41 x 10(12)/L) and Day 20 (4.42 +/- 0.39 x 10(12)/L) were less than Day 0 values (4.73 +/- 0.43 x 10(12)/L, p = 0.008 and p < 0.0001, respectively). The hematocrit on Day 20 (39.2 +/- 3.2%) was also less than that on Day 0 (41.2 +/- 4.8%; p = 0.01). The changes in these blood counts were not affected by the dose of the G-CSF. CONCLUSION: After stimulation with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor and the collection or peripheral blood stem cells, the platelet counts in normal donors were decreased for at least 7 days (Days 6-13). Two weeks after collection of peripheral blood stem cells (Day 20), platelet production was increased, but the production of neutrophils and red cells was decreased. If two or more peripheral blood stem cell components are collected, then the platelet count should be measured after the second and subsequent collections. Further studies on the long-term effect of G-CSF on blood counts are needed.

Adult↗

Treatment of normal individuals with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor: donor experiences and the effects on peripheral blood CD34+ cell counts and on the collection of peripheral blood stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been used in patients to increase the level of circulating hematopoietic progenitors. Although G-CSF has been administered to some healthy individuals, the kinetics of mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs), the optimum dose schedule and the incidence and nature of adverse reactions in normal individuals are not completely defined. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Normal individuals (n = 102) who received G-CSF for 5 or 10 days at doses of 2, 5, 7.5, or 10 micrograms per kg per day were studied. The subjects were observed for symptoms and physical changes, and blood samples were obtained for a variety of laboratory tests. After 5 or 10 days of G-CSF treatment, PBSCs were collected by apheresis and analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 89 percent of the individuals completed the 5-day treatment protocol and 88 percent completed the 10-day protocol without modification of the dose of G-CSF administered. Ninety percent of donors experienced some side effect of G-CSF. The most frequent effects noted were bone pain (83%), headache (39%), body aches (23%), fatigue (14%), and nausea and/or vomiting (12%). The dose of G-CSF administered directly affected the proportion of people with bone pain (p = 0.025) or body aches (p = 0.045) or who were feeling hot or having night sweats (p = 0.02) or taking analgesics (p = 0.01). With the 5-day dose schedule, several changes in serum chemistries occurred, including increases in alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.0013), lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.0001), and sodium (p = 0.0001). Decreases occurred in glucose (p = 0.045), potassium (p = 0.0004), bilirubin (p = 0.001), and blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.0017). In donors who received G-CSF for 5 days, the absolute neutrophil count was increased after one G-CSF dose, and it reached a maximum on Day 6, as did the number of CD34+ cells (64.6 +/- 55.9 x 10(6) cells/L). In those same donors, the platelet count after apheresis on Day 6 was 32 +/- 13 percent lower than pretreatment values (250 +/- 42 x 10(9) cells/L). In donors receiving G-CSF for 10 days, the neutrophil count reached a maximum on Day 8, but the number of CD34+ cells peaked on Day 6 (58.3 +/- 52.1 x 10(5) cells/L) and then declined. The platelet count decreased from pretreatment values by 28 +/- 12 percent prior to apheresis on Day 11. When individuals were treated for 5 days with G-CSF, the quantity of CD34+ cells collected was directly related to the G-CSF dose. When 5 micrograms per kg per day was given, 2.80 +/- 1.81 x 10(8) cells were collected, compared with collection of 4.67 +/- 3.11 x 10(8) cells when 10 micrograms per kg per day was given (p = 0.04). More important, PBSCs collected after 10 days of G-CSF administration (5 micrograms/kg/day) had significantly fewer CD34+ cells (0.82 +/- 0.37 x 10(8) cells, p = 0.01) than did PBSCs collected after 5 days of G-CSF (5 micrograms/kg/day). CONCLUSION: Most normal donors receiving G-CSF experience side effects, but these are mild to moderate in degree. Some alterations in blood chemistries occur, but none were clinically serious. Because of the symptoms associated with G-CSF, these individuals must be monitored closely. The treatment of normal donors with G-CSF for more than 5 days significantly decreased the number of circulating CD34+ cells and the quantity collected by apheresis.

Adult↗

Concentration of citrate anticoagulant in peripheral blood progenitor cell collections.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) collection by hemapheresis has become widely used in recent years. For anticoagulation during cytapheresis, citrate solutions, commonly ACD-A, are used, at a recommended anticoagulant-to-whole blood ratio of 1:11 to 1:12. Although the apheresis procedure is generally well tolerated, the most common patient complaints are attributable to transient hypocalcemia, which is a side effect of the citrate anticoagulant. Patients experiencing discomfort due to hypocalcemia are sometimes managed by a decrease in the flow rate of the anticoagulant. CASE REPORTS: Two cases are reported in which seemingly minor reductions in the anticoagulant: whole blood ratio appeared to cause gelation of freezing solution prepared from plasma that was collected in addition to PBPCs for use in the cryopreservation of cells. In both cases, the final ratio of citrate anticoagulant to whole blood was less than 1:12. Gelation occurred when plasma collected under these conditions was used to prepare freezing solution. CONCLUSION: The addition of heparin to this plasma, or the addition of ACD-A to correct the anticoagulant:whole blood ratio, prevented the gelation of freezing solution, which suggests that coagulation activation in the autologous plasma specimen was implicated in the subsequent gelation. During cytapheresis for PBPC collection, citrate-containing anticoagulants should be used at the recommended ratio of 1:12, or with more anticoagulant than usual. Tolerance for a reduced concentration of citrate may be more limited than is generally appreciated. When plasma is collected in addition to PBPCs, heparin should be added to both the cells and the plasma as soon as possible after the collection. Patients undergoing PBPC and stem cell collection should be given supplemental calcium, rather than less anticoagulant, to alleviate the discomfort associated with citrate.

Adult↗

The continuing evolution of the nation's blood supply system.

The nation's blood supply system has undergone major change during the last decade. As a result, the blood supply is extremely safe. To accomplish this, the centers that supply most of nation's blood have made extensive changes in their regulatory affairs and quality assurance programs, personnel, or organizational structure, process control systems, computer and data management systems, and overall philosophy. The emphasis on a medical and patient focused organizational culture has been replaced by a more manufacturing and business culture. Research in transfusion medicine and related fields is bringing potential new transfusion therapies and blood components closer to reality. The blood system and the organizations and people who compose it must continue to evolve in ways to implement these new therapies.

Blood Banks↗